The future of the computer mouse
The computer mouse exists for many years (40) and the predictions are that the mouse as we know it will disappear within 3- 5 years. Will this happen?
A Gartner analist said a year ago that the computer mouse would disappear within a couple of years. So after 40 years of loyal service the mouse will end it's life cycle. I will have to say goodbye to my old computer mouse and my wrist will become very happy. This because the mouse is still not a very friendly way to interact with computers. I believe that we will interact with computers by means of gestures, speech and thoughts. But this will take still some years to realize.
The mouse as we know it will disappear soon and there will come a new way to interact with technology which will prepare us for the really new ways to inteact with technology. Microsoft has some future technologies integrated in the computer mouse. Something which uses some of the functionalities of the traditional mouse but also introduces totally new ways to interact. A mouse which is more intelligent. Some examples you will see in the embedded clip.
- FTIR mouse - IR light on an Acrylic sheet
- Orb mouse - IR light radiates from centre of a sphere
- Cap mouse - matrix of capacitive-sensing electrodes
- Side mouse - IR light senses fingers touching table surface
- Arty mouse - operates as 3 articulated mice beneath palm, pointer finger, and thumb
In all concepts multi-touch is central. What do you think of these concepts?